BMW Blog
Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series five-door caught with rumored turbo'd fourFiled under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW 
2012 BMW 1 Series spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
The big BMW 1 Series news is the upcoming M-badged coupe, but we mustn't forget that an all-new 1er is currently in development. Our spies have just recently snapped this five-door model testing, concealing what could be a highly anticipated turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Sources suggest this new four-pot could be a new tri-turbo setup, meaning the 1 Series would still be plenty powerful and could replace the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six currently used in 128i models. Additionally, we won't rule out the possibility that BMW is testing the new N55 twin-scroll single-turbo for use in the 1 Series, since that mill seems to quickly be replacing the current twin-turbo 3.0-liter setup.
Expect the next-generation 1 Series to hit the road sometime in 2012. With that in mind, a debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show doesn't seem out of the question.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series five-door caught with rumored turbo'd four originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW recalling 2010-2011 5 Series, 5GT models over fuel tank sensorsFiled under: Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW 
2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery
If the fuel gauge in your 2010 or 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan or 5-Series Gran Turismo tells you that you've got plenty of petrol, you may want to hit the gas station before going on that long trip anyway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website reports that 6,080 5-Series sedan and GT models built between January 12 and July 1, 2010 are being recalled for a faulty fuel sensor. In certain cases, the sensor can wedge itself against the tank, which will lead to the fuel gauge reading that the vehicle has more fuel than it actually does. Drivers suddenly saddled with a fuel-free Bimmer while driving could wind up getting into an accident or being stranded by the side of the road, and that's not good at all.
The NHTSA website currently shows that BMW still hasn't provided an appropriate fix for the issue, but when the automaker does, owners will doubtlessly be able to head over to the nearest BMW dealer for a free repair. Head across the jump to read over the official NHTSA press release.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading BMW recalling 2010-2011 5 Series, 5GT models over fuel tank sensors BMW recalling 2010-2011 5 Series, 5GT models over fuel tank sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for productionFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedan, BMW, Luxury 
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé concept - Click above to watch video walkaround after the jump
As a testament to its success in starting the four-door coupe movement, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is nigh on its second version, yet competitors have only recently begun to crowd the room. With the Audi A7 about to gain membership in the club, BMW couldn't hang back, so it has reportedly slapped a sales date on the 6 Series Gran Coupe concept: it'll be here in 2012.
Rumored for the summer of 2012 by German publication Automobilwoche, that puts its introduction a year behind the next-generation 6 Series. Engines are said to be a mix of gas and diesel, and BMW evidently spoke of a potential hybrid application. Perhaps most importantly, design cues such as the frameless doors and LED lighting will be carried into production. Those trick exhaust tips, however, not likely. Follow the jump for a video walkaround of the exterior and check out our high-res gallery below for a refresher.
[Sources: Automobilwoche (translated), BMW Blog]Continue reading BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW Classic Center completes '72 3.0 CSi restoration for lucky ownerFiled under: Classics, Coupe, BMW 
1972 BMW 3.0 CSi - Click above for high-res image gallery
An increasing portion of BMW's revenue in recent years has come from dealing in older cars. The Munich brand's certified pre-owned program that reconditions and sells warranted used cars has reportedly been very profitable. Now BMW is taking that idea to a whole new level by opening the Classic Center workshop. The Classic Center offers a variety of services from parts re-manufacturing to full vehicle restorations.
The facility recently finished its first complete restoration of a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi coupe. In addition to bringing the CSi back to pristine condition, the owner had BMW convert the coupe's transmission, originally a manual, to an automatic. The owner took possession of his restored beauty at the BMW Welt in Munich, which until now has only been used for new car deliveries.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW Classic Center completes '72 3.0 CSi restoration for lucky owner BMW Classic Center completes '72 3.0 CSi restoration for lucky owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: BMW not ruling out X4MFiled under: SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Land Rover, Rumormill, Luxury 
The automotive landscape must be stacked to the sky with kindling right now. It seems like it takes little more than a spark of interest in one odd duckling of a model to create a wildfire of a new segment. From the monsoon of crossovers currently drowning our fair nation's freeways to weird hatch/crossover/sedan creations like the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and Honda Accord Crosstour, market segmentation is all the rage right now, and it doesn't look like it'll be slowing up anytime soon.
According to Autocar, Land Rover may have started something with its LRX Evoque. The site claims that BMW may be looking to broaden its X lineup with the addition of an X4 - which would predictably fall just above the X3 and below the X5 - to do battle with the new low-riding Land Rover. Odds are that where Land Rover and BMW trod, others soon will follow. Autocar even goes on to say that an X4 would make it easy for the company to roll out an X4 M, complete with a 350-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 borrowed from the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe. Yes, it would probably sell like hotcakes, even if we can see no reason to blast the X stable into ever finer divisions.
[Source: Autocar]
Photo by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Report: BMW not ruling out X4M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: German mfgs cleaning up as appetite for luxury cars is 'bottomless'Filed under: China, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials 
There's a three-to-four month wait for a new 5 Series and BMW has raised its 2010 global forecast to 1.4 million units. Mercedes-Benz Q2 production exceeded 300,000 units and Daimler's operating profit for the period was €2.1 billion ($2.7B U.S.) Audi's percentage increase in sales in 2010 compared to last year has outdone both BMW and Benz. The reasons for all that, says Bloomberg, is new product, growing U.S. demand and Chinese-market growth "that's way beyond expectations."
While there's an undeniable story in the recovery of U.S. sales, this is even more so about China. The demand for luxury by that country's million or so millionaires and their underlings is a leather-lined sinkhole, and the three German manufacturers are doing everything they can to fill it. Their best is barely enough. Benz and Bimmer have added workers and shifts this summer to try and fill orders.
From the sounds of it, they might not be able to manage that this year - China's appetite is such that the demand "won't be easily derailed even if economic growth slows," according to one analyst. If nothing else, and assuming the analyst is correct, it should lay a decent foundation for 2011 and perhaps allay some concern about that double-dip recession talk.
[Source: Bloomberg via BusinessWeek | Image: Doug Kanter/AFP/Getty]Report: German mfgs cleaning up as appetite for luxury cars is 'bottomless' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog attends 2010 Le Mans Classic, celebrates 80 years of legendary racingFiled under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Racing 
2010 Le Mans Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery, and help us caption some of the cars!
Every two years in July, hundreds of vintage race cars gather at the famed Le Mans race circuit in France to fire up their engines and relive the glory days in the historic corners and long straights of the nearly 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe. But that's just part of it. In addition to the priceless machinery racing on the track, thousands of other classic cars trek to the grounds to fill nearly every open spot at the huge venue. Autoblog was invited by Porsche France to enjoy the 2010 Le Mans Classic in person, and needless to say, it was absolutely spectacular.
According to the organizers, this year's show welcomed 100,000 spectators, 8,000 display cars, 460 racing cars and 1,000 drivers. With sunny 95-degree temperatures over both days, the weather was unusually hot and the grounds chokingly dusty, but it didn't seem to keep anyone - or anything - from the event.
When not enjoying the racing, we strolled the show and stumbled over well-preserved classics from Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Renault, Lamborghini, Audi, BMW and more. Porsche models were everywhere as the various European Porsche Car Clubs stormed the venue with more than 800 cars. Where else can you physically brush elbows with a race-ready BMW M1, a brand-new 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO and ride in the back of a historic war-era Willys Jeep all within the same 60 seconds? Le Mans Classic, baby. And these weren't sterile, stuck-behind-the-ropes museum stock, either - everything was meant to be driven and enjoyed.
We've put together a massive gallery offering just a taste of the caliber of vehicles on display, running hot laps and racing last weekend. While we've attempted to caption many of these, some still have us stumped. If you can identify a few of the nameless, give us a shout in the comments (with the photo number as seen in the URL) and we'll update the captions as quickly as our server's cache will let us.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Autoblog attends 2010 Le Mans Classic, celebrates 80 years of legendary racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Video: 2012 BMW 3 Series running at the 'RingFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Videos, BMW 
2012 BMW 3 Series at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch the video after the jump
The 3 Series is BMW's bread-and-butter volume model, so with each new generation, the folks at Bayerische Motoren Werke have to be extra careful to keep the car's intrinsic goodness intact. Even though the all-new 3er isn't due to drop for a couple of years, we've already seen various prototypes out on the road in both sedan and wagon form, and when it comes time to do extensive track testing, a trip to the Nürburgring is always in order.
Instead of the usual gallery of spy shots, our friends over at E90Post.com have snagged video of the new 3 hitting the 'Ring, and it's nice to see that even in its development stages, the test drivers are showing the car no mercy at The Green Hell. It's still unclear what the new 3 Series will offer once it hits the road, but we're sure that the usual range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged sixes will be under the hood, as well as a rumored return of a four-cylinder mill in the U.S.
Follow the jump to see the spy video for yourself, and stay tuned for future spy shots as the new 3 Series strips away more of its swirly camouflage.
[Source: E90Post, YouTube]Continue reading Spy Video: 2012 BMW 3 Series running at the 'Ring Spy Video: 2012 BMW 3 Series running at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General LeeFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Specialty, Diesel, Off-Road
2010 Local Motors Rally Fighter - Click above to see video after the jump
Local Motors hasn't generated a whole lot of publicity since it debuted its crowd-sourced Rally Fighter off-road coupe at last year's SEMA show, but that doesn't mean the small-scale, forward-thinking builder hasn't been busy. We haven't managed to convince them to hand over the keys to one of their lunar buggies just yet, so we're still patiently waiting in line to get behind the wheel. Who wouldn't want to drive a giant 3,100-pound dune buggy with a fighter-plane-inspired sports coupe body and a torquey BMW diesel under the hood?
When we finally do get to drive this fun and funky beast, we promise not to paint it orange or to put a big "01" on the doors or even a Confederate flag on the roof. We can't promise, however, that we won't try our best to replicate this Bo and Luke-worthy stunt. The company has sent along a video to show that the Rally Fighter does indeed have off-roading chops, in case you doubted it after their previous nine-minute video release. So check out the short clip after the jump and turn your sound up so you too can hear John Fogerty while it spools up and Waylon Jennings wailin' while the Rally Fighter soars.
Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Local Motors]Continue reading Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDomestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL studyFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Click above for gallery of the graphics from J.D. Power and Associates
Porsche once again grabs the top spot (for the sixth time in a row) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive." The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more "appealing" as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale - 13 points greater than the imports).
When it comes down to specific awards (as shown in the segment-level graphics), Ford leads with five. The automaker earned one each for the Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen each garner two awards. The Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Avalanche, both segment leaders, are the only two models that ranked highest in the 2010 APEAL study and in the 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) announced in June. Suzuki is credited with the greatest improvement this year, while Jeep drops one slot from last year's 2009 APEAL Study and falls to the bottom of the list for 2010. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.
[Source: JDPower.com]Continue reading Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sportFiled under: Crossover, BMW, Luxury 
2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Behold the 2011 BMW X3. It's longer, wider and taller than its predecessors, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it looks remarkably similar to the last X3.
Naturally, BMW's twin-kidney grille is affixed up front, but like the new 5 and 7 Series, it's more upright and slightly larger than before. The lower air dam is slightly chiseled while staying true to BMW's recent organic shapes, and the wider headlamps come equipped with "Corona Rings" and optional Xenon bulbs.
Viewed in profile, the outgoing X3's slab sides have been augmented with a character line running aft of the front wheels and kicking up over the rear fenders, while an upswept D-pillar compliments the redesigned LED taillamps and subtle crease over the rear-mounted Roundel. All in, the new X3 (F25) is half an inch taller, 3.36 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider with a half-inch increase in ground clearance. In keeping with tradition, it's a "lifestyle" vehicle first with no pretenses of hardcore off-roading.
 Like the outside, the interior is a subtle evolution of its forebear, with a staid German style balancing functionality and form. The joystick-style transmission lever carries over from BMW's most recent models, along with an 8.8-inch iDrive-controlled screen and a redesigned steering wheel with aluminum accents on the paddle shifters and lower spoke. With the rear seats set in place, rear cargo volume comes in at 19 cubic feet, growing to 56.6 cubes with the 60:40 rear seats folded flat.
The entry-level X3 xDrive28i comes equipped with BMW's naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six rated at 240 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, allowing BMW's best-selling 'ute to sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds - about a half second quicker than the outgoing model. Step up for the X3 xDrive35i and you're basking in 300 hp and 300 lb-ft provided by BMW's new single-turbo N55 inline-six. The 0-60 run clocks in at a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph when kitted out with the optional Sport package.
Channeling that power to the ground is a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with wider spreads and taller cruising gears to keep fuel economy in check, while standard all-wheel drive splits torque 40:60 front-to-rear thanks to an electronically controlled multi-disc diff and a host of other gizmos.
The MacPherson front struts have been redeveloped along with the multi-link rear suspension, while an optional electronic damping control adapts to the road and driver inputs. Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes are mounted next to the gear selector, tweaking throttle response, transmission shifts, steering assist, DSC settings and suspension firmness.
The newest electronic system for the X3 is the Performance Control feature, which shuffles 80 percent of the torque to the rear under steady-state throttle. Like Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the BMW's system brakes the inside rear wheel and powers the outside roller to curb understeer and provide a more neutral driving feeling.
Production of the X3 will remain at BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant and sales are set to begin towards the end of the year. Hit the jump for the full details and check out the positively massive gallery of images below.
Continue reading 2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport 2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsArmorTech BMW X6 is the AMC Eagle SX/4 of your dreamsFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Crossover, BMW, Russia, Luxury 
ArmorTech BMW X6 coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been tried before, making a coupe out of an SUV - or an SUV out of a coupe. AMC tried it back in the early '80s with the Eagle SX/4. Both DC Design and Merdad tried it with the Porsche Cayenne. And of course BMW tried it with the X6. The trouble with the X6 is that it has two doors too many to be considered a coupe. The solution? Off with their doors, courtesy of aftermarket firm ArmorTech.
In the process, the Russian coachbuilder crafted longer front doors, jockeyed the positioning of the B-pillar and side glass, and fitted new front seats that can tilt and slide forward to gain access to the rear seats, the access to which never having been a strong suit of the factory X6 to begin with. A number of additional enhancements are also on offer, from suspension, wheels and brakes to exhaust, body kit and custom upholstery.
So, does the removal of the rear doors make the X6 look any better? Give us your thoughts in 'Comments.'
[Source: ArmorTech via World Car Fans]ArmorTech BMW X6 is the AMC Eagle SX/4 of your dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW Frozen Gray M3 paint a pain, owners must sign agreement about its care?Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW, Luxury 
2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you were one of the 30 Bimmerphiles to snag a 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe last month, expect to fill out another round of paperwork before you take delivery of your new matte gray baby.
BMW is apparently requiring all owners to sign a "maintenance agreement" that insists the M3 is never polished or waxed, ran through an automatic car wash or even strongly rubbed. Additionally, BMW politely asks that you immediately remove bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and fuel spills with a soft sponge, and naturally, dealers are more than willing to sell you appropriate products for maintaining the matte finish.
According to enthusiast site Bimmerfest, BMW explicitly states the M3's warranty won't cover any damage due to owner neglect and it notes that all exterior repairs must be performed by a BMW-authorized shop. What's more, if you don't sign the agreement, no Frozen Grey M3 for you. That's a lot of disclaimers. All of which could be easily solved for less if you simply went down to your local custom vinyl shop and wrapped your (decidedly less expensive) standard M3 in a 3M coating. But how do you put a price on exclusivity?
[Source: Bimmerfest]BMW Frozen Gray M3 paint a pain, owners must sign agreement about its care? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 BMW M3 to get start-stop tech?Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury 
BMW has outlined the changes to its model line that will commence during the production changeover in September. One of the most noteworthy among them is that every BMW M3 made will come standard with the company's Automatic/Start Stop feature. It will also come standard with an on/off switch, so you can leave your car running at stop lights should you choose.
Other M3 tweaks include the M Button on steering wheel, which will come standard with the ability to program your preferred driving modes, lighter Manual M Sport Seats, a Mineral White Metallic paint option, a Bi-color Novillo leather trim and a Convenience Package that replaces the Technology Package. Click the link for the details on BMW's entire lineup changes.
[Source: BMW Blog] 2011 BMW M3 to get start-stop tech? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insidesFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury 
In true BMW new model roll-out fashion, the hype surrounding the hotter 1 Series M Coupe has been exceedingly well documented. We've spied the car out testing, BMW has shown us videos of the prototypes and now the folks at 1addicts.com have snapped some shots of the M-badged 1's interior, showing a host of upgrades that stand true to the car's beefed up dynamics.
Changes to the 1 Series interior include items like more supportive sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel (from the M3) and two-tone instrument cluster gauges. What's more, we can see the integration of BMW's latest iDrive system in the 1 Coupe, but our favorite part is indeed the fact that a manual gearbox is in place. Dual-clutch setups are nice, but we love being able to shift for ourselves.
In addition to these spy shots, we've also come across the first in-car test video of the 1 Series M Coupe, showing what sort of prowess this little hottie has out on the track. Stop teasing us, BMW - we're ready to conduct our own evaluation. Looking for more shots of the interior? Visit our friends at 1addicts using the link below.
[Source: 1addicts]Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW celebrates 25 years of M3Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW 
1986 BMW M3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been 25 years since the BMW M3 first hit the scene. During that time, the car has evolved from a bantamweight fighter capable of taking on heavy hitters of the sports car world to the yardstick that the rest of the segment is measured. In the process, it has shed its bulging, steroid-riddled fenders for smoother sheetmetal and abandoned its four-cylinder engine for an out of this world aluminum mill with twice the pots, but its essence as a well-balanced sports coupe remains.
The transformation wasn't easy. BMW sent the car through innumerable trials on the tracks and trails of the motorsports world, and the mean little 3 Series quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the grid.
BMW has commemorated its wicked child's birthday by recounting the tale of the car's conception. Don't worry: it's a lot less repulsive than listening to your parents yak on about how you came around. The tale is filled with the origins of the car's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, including where the engineers managed to source parts and the like. It's well worth your time if you've got a second. Check past the jump for the full tale and the high-res gallery below for for the M3's stunning quarter-century as chronicled in photos.
[Source: BMW]BMW celebrates 25 years of M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionalityFiled under: Technology, Videos, BMW 
BMW's iDrive features for the iPod - Click above to watch video after the jump
One of the next steps to evolve BMW's iDrive into Connected Drive is increasing the communication the car has with peripherals. In this case, work is nearly complete on you being able to control your iPod Touch (and, we're guessing, your iPhone) and all of its applications using the same Apple interface on the car's console screen.
Not only might it make navigation of your music files easier, but it would make any application you download for your iPod Touch immediately usable in your Bimmer. BMW doesn't give much away in terms of how this all comes together, but does say that the feature will be available on BMW's as soon as early 2011. Follow the jump to see the vid.Continue reading Video: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionality Video: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance UnlimitedFiled under: Performance, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Luxury 
Japanese-market Mini Saville Row - Click above for high-res image gallery
Black is the new black, at least when it comes to the special edition Mini Saville Row for the Japanese market. The black-as-deep-space hatch with the black roof is accented by polished chrome 17-inch wheels, gas cap, mirrors and trim outside and in. Privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights, white turn signal lamps and an anthracite headliner have been thrown into the mix as well. There will be 100 made, all with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder and automatic transmissions, costing ¥3,100,000 ($35,028 U.S.). That's a premium of about ¥400,000 ($4,519 U.S.) over the standard Mini.
There will be just 20 examples built of the even more limited edition BMW X6 Performance Unlimited, also for the Japanese market only. Inspired by BMW motorsports, the crossover gets a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with hybrid technology running through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The body receives silver pearl paint, a BMW Performance aero package, 21-inch alloys and a blacked-out grille, the interior gets Dakota leather and brushed aluminum pedals. It retails for a tidy ¥9,450,000 ($106,823 U.S.). You check it out, along with the Mini Saville Row, in the high-res galleries below.
[Source: BMW]BMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED]Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW 
We've waited a long time for this. And not just for the official name. BMW has released the first teaser video of its upcoming 1 Series M Coupe and "excited" doesn't begin to describe how we're feeling.
The video after the jump is devoid of hard details, but it confirms what we've seen in countless spy shots and the rumors that have made the rounds for nearly a year.
Early reports indicate that the twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54) in the standard 135i will be upgraded to 335 horsepower, with the M Coupe's newfound grunt channeled through a six-speed dual-clutch manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M rear differential. The results are a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Naturally, firmer springs, dampers and bushings are part of the package, along with lightweight 18-inch wheels and a full body kit consisting of a new fascia, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, rear diffuser and a small spoiler. Being an M-fettled product, expect a quad-tipped exhaust to reside out back and - judging by previous spy shots and the official video - BMW's trademark fender vents.
BMW kindly requests you to register at M-Power.com for more details and to sign up for an exclusive test drive. The rub: it's only open to "German and Austrian" drivers. Here's hoping that unjust regionalism doesn't extend to sales when the 1 Series M Coupe hit dealers in the second quarter of 2011.
Continue reading Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED] Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo - Full details and imagesFiled under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury 
2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery
Alpina has finally graced the world with a handful of images and all of the gritty details about the all-new 2011 B5 Bi-Turbo after its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The company has managed to bless the BMW 5 Series with a mythic 507 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. How, you ask? The B5 makes use of the same twin-turbo, all aluminum V8 found in the car's big brother, the B7. That means that there's a full 4.4-liters of displacement sucking down 1 bar of pressure for the two turbos under the hood. Sounds like a party.
The eight-pot is bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission that Alpina co-developed with the gear-swapping gurus at ZF. If the mood strikes you, the driver can click through the gears via buttons mounted on the back side of the steering wheel, though given the massive amount of work Alpina put into the transmission, odds are you're better off letting the car do the work for you.
There's also a completely reworked suspension on board that includes slightly shorter springs and unique control arms that help eek a little more camber out of the front wheels. Combined with the electronically adjustable suspension, the company claims to provide an altogether sharper driving experience. Speaking of wheels, Alpina has equipped the B5 Bi-Turbo with a set of the company's epic 20-inch rollers. Check out the gallery of high-res images below and then click past the jump for the granddaddy of a press blast.
[Source: Alpina]Continue reading 2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo - Full details and images 2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo - Full details and images originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Theft Proof: Lockable Valve Caps
BMW Cars |
